Every year on September 7, we recognise National Threatened Species Day. The
significance September 7 allows is reflection of the last known thylacine that died in
captivity in a Hobart zoo on this date in 1936, tipping the species over the extinction
line.
Whilst Threatened species day is about commemorating the extinction of the
Tasmanian Tiger, it is also about celebrating Australia’s unique biodiversity and the
importance of protecting our native wildlife against further loss.
Trowunna’s Conservation Programs Manager, Emily Dowling, says “conservation
through education is an incredibly important facilitator in ‘insuring’ the future of our
native species.”
The Sanctuary’s new Junior Rangers ‘Joey Club’ Wildlife Conservation,
Environmental and Cultural Awareness Program is designed to open the door to
experience-based education and provide the opportunity for primary-aged children
to interact and engage with our wildlife to promote conservation.
“The future of our wildlife rests with all of us, but in particular providing our children
with the foundation to grow their own love for our native species and instilling a
sense of responsibility to care for, and protect, Tasmanian flora and fauna is
invaluable”, Ms Dowling said.
“Our little people are the future for environmental protection and will become the
custodians of our wildlife and the ongoing survival of threatened species.”
Trowunna’s philosophy has always been in support of science-based education in
respect to wildlife conservation and environmental awareness and the Sanctuary
believes strongly that it is essential to provide our children this opportunity through
interactive education.
Established with the contribution of support towards the Program from the
Australian Wildlife Society (AWS), Trowunna’s ‘Joey Club’ allows primary aged
children (6-13 years old) to become a Junior Wildlife Ranger. The Program consists
of a half day interactive conservation education session, including special Junior
Ranger jobs such as wildlife food preparation, animal feeding and keeper tasks as
well as Sanctuary educational tour and hand-feeding of free-range animals.
Over its 45-year history, Trowunna has operated as a conservation centre dedicated
to Tasmanian wildlife protection, rescue, rehabilitation and education. It has been
pivotal to Tasmanian devil and quoll conservation and has made a significant
contribution to insurance programs for these species. In recent years, the
sanctuary’s conservation breeding programs have played an important part in
supporting science-based wildlife rewilding conservation efforts and national native
species recovery programs..
This year has seen another successful year in breeding for the Sanctuary’s
conservation breeding programs, with devil and quoll joeys (both Eastern and
Spotted-tailed) currently in pouch. Trowunna’s Tasmanian Devil Breeding Program
is the longest running program in the country with this year seeing a successful 39th
year of breeding at the Sanctuary, delivering its 24th generation of Devils.
